schoonzuster

A schoonzuster is a Dutch term that translates to "sister-in-law" in English. This relationship arises through marriage. Specifically, a schoonzuster can refer to two distinct familial connections. Firstly, she is the wife of one's brother. This makes her a sister by marriage to the original person. Secondly, she is the sister of one's spouse. In this case, she becomes a sister-in-law to the original person through their marriage.

The term is gender-specific, denoting a female sister-in-law. The male equivalent in Dutch is "zwager." While the English term "sister-in-law" can encompass both these relationships, the Dutch term "schoonzuster" clearly defines which side of the family the connection originates from, either through a sibling's spouse or a spouse's sibling. The social and familial roles of a schoonzuster can vary greatly depending on cultural norms and individual family dynamics, just as with any in-law relationship. They can be a close confidante, a distant acquaintance, or anything in between.